Irish-American Designer, Late Princess Diana’s Stylist Paul Costelloe D!es At 80
Irish-American Designer, Late Princess Diana’s Stylist Paul Costelloe Dies At 80
AFP quoted a statement by the family saying: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Paul Costelloe following a short illness,” noting that he died in London surrounded by “his wife and seven children.”
Renowned Irish-American fashion designer, Paul Costelloe, celebrated globally for his long-standing role as late Princess Diana’s personal designer, has died at the age of 80, his family announced on Saturday.
AFP quoted a statement by the family saying: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Paul Costelloe following a short illness,” noting that he died in London surrounded by “his wife and seven children.”
Costelloe, a fixture of London Fashion Week since its launch in 1984, was widely regarded as one of Ireland’s most influential fashion figures.
Born in Dublin in 1945, he began his career in Paris, working with luxury French fashion houses before moving to Milan, where he joined Marks & Spencer as a design assistant.
His career reached a defining moment when he was appointed Princess Diana’s personal stylist in 1983, a role he held until her death in 1997.
Reflecting on that period, he once told Ireland’s national broadcaster that he felt he had “made it” when asked to design for the princess.
Speaking to RTÉ earlier this year, he affectionately recalled: “She was very human, she didn’t act like a princess… She made a very good cup of tea and some scones.”
Costelloe’s signature aesthetic — a blend of classic romance and modern flair—became synonymous with vibrant colours, florals, and refined tailoring.
He often described the fashion world as relentless, once likening the profession to being a tireless “athlete.”
In September, he showcased his most recent work at London Fashion Week: a 1960s-inspired Spring/Summer collection titled “We stroll down Rodeo Drive.”
His fashion house remained a family endeavour, with his son William serving as design director, creating prints and visual concepts for the brand.
Speaking to Vogue in 2024, Costelloe hinted at dreams beyond the runway: “My ambition is to step back from fashion eventually. To hire an old car and drive around France and paint.”
Costelloe leaves behind a legacy defined by elegance, innovation, and one of the most iconic partnerships in royal fashion history.
